Atlantic City delays vote on boardwalk booze after some businesses express concerns

Atlantic City officials have postponed a vote on a policy that would allow booze on the boardwalk. 

The City Council was expected to vote Wednesday on an ordinance that would allow anyone 21 and older to walk on the boardwalk with an open container of alcohol for “at least” a trial period during this summer. 

But officials say some businesses have expressed concerns over the ordinance. So it was tabled pending further discussion.

The measure would require that the booze be bought from licensed beverage businesses adjacent to the boardwalk between Metropolitan and Albany avenues. The container also must display the name or logo of that business. The ordinance is meant to encourage pedestrian traffic.

Patrons would be prohibited from taking the alcoholic beverage onto the beach, where the only consumption permitted is at beach bars.

City alcohol regulators have said the policy could benefit the city as it faces the possibility losing its casino monopoly in the state.

Jersey Shore Hurricane News commenter Kevin Conlon sees the practicality of the ordinance. 

“I see little difference between drinking in a casino then walking out on the boardwalk, or walking with a drink,” he said. “Enforce disorderly persons offenses and it shouldn’t be a problem.”

But fellow commenter Stephen Nappa disagrees.

“This is the least of their worries. Such a stupid suggestion,” he said, adding that the city should focus on cleaning up the municipality and improving its financial health. 

If passed, Atlantic City will be the first New Jersey boardwalk where public consumption of alcohol is allowed. 

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The Associated Press contributed to this report.